Graphite bombs, also known as soft bombs and "electricity killers," are so-called because they are not intended to kill or injure enemy personnel. They are also known as blackout bombs because of their powerful destructive power to power systems. Their primary target is a city's power transmission and distribution system, paralyzing it. Graphite bombs are made from specially treated graphite fibers. Each fiber has a diameter of only a few thousandths of a centimeter, allowing it to remain suspended in the air for extended periods. Because the graphite fibers are milled using fluid energy and then chemically cleaned, their conductivity is greatly enhanced. Graphite fibers are non-sticky and can adhere to any surface.
Uses of Graphite Bombs. A laser-guided bomb explodes above the target, rotating and releasing 100 to 200 small canisters, each about the size of a can. Each canister is equipped with a small parachute that, upon deployment, decelerates and maintains its vertical position. A small explosive device within the canister detonates, causing the bottom of the canister to pop open, releasing a ball of graphite fibers. The graphite fibers unfurl in mid-air, interweaving to form a web. Because the graphite fibers are highly conductive, they can cause short circuits and damage power lines, leading to the collapse of power systems.
The power of a graphite bomb: If graphite fibers land on exposed high-voltage power lines or electrical infrastructure such as transformers at substations, the specially treated graphite fibers, which have excellent electrical conductivity, can cause them to short-circuit and burn, causing widespread power outages. When causing an overcurrent short circuit, the graphite fibers also vaporize due to heat and generate arcs. This can damage the electrical equipment coated with the conductive graphite fibers, destroying their original insulation properties and causing long-term damage that is difficult to repair. Graphite filaments can penetrate electronic equipment, cooling ducts, and control system black boxes. Graphite filament warheads can cause damage to everything from aircraft parked on runways to electronic equipment and power grids at power plants.
Graphite bombs made their combat debut during the Gulf War, during Operation Desert Storm. The US Navy launched ship-based Tomahawk cruise missiles and dropped graphite bombs on Iraq, attacking its power supply facilities and crippling 85% of Iraq's electricity grid. Another technical advantage of graphite bombs lies in their delivery vehicles and guidance. Using a delivery vehicle guided by a GPS or inertial navigation system and detonated by sensors, graphite bombs can be accurately delivered by a variety of aircraft.